1977 Renault 12 vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Renault 12 would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1977 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1977 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 1019 kg more than 1977 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Frontier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1977 Renault 12. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Renault 12 | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Renault | Nissan |
| Model | 12 | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1919 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 80 L |
